It can be exciting to imagine earning a degree in a country like France, Germany, or Spain, particularly if you might already speak the language fluently. However, if you’re considering taking a degree in the local language after having attended an English-speaking high school, there are some important challenges you should keep in mind. Speaking a language with your family or friends and studying it in an academic setting are two very different things.
When you talk to your grandparents in French or greet your Spanish-speaking friends, you’re using conversational language. This is everyday talk—basic phrases, simple vocabulary, and straightforward grammar. But when it comes to academic study, the language takes on a whole new level of complexity.
Imagine studying literature in French. You might be able to chat with relatives about your weekend, but writing an essay analysing Les Misérables requires a deep understanding of literary terms, sophisticated grammar, and a wide range of vocabulary that goes beyond everyday conversation. You’ll need to know how to express complex ideas clearly and back them up with evidence. And academic writing in any language is structured differently than the way we speak casually.
Moreover, certain terms and phrases used in academic settings might not even have a direct equivalent in English. For example, legal or scientific terms might be unique to the country’s specific system.
It’s not just the language that’s different when studying abroad—there can be significant cultural differences in how education systems work. One major difference between academic life in countries like France or Germany compared to the UK is the frequent use of oral examinations.
In the UK, most assessments are written, whether it’s exams or essays. In contrast, many European countries, particularly in France, regularly use oral exams as part of the assessment process. Instead of a quiet exam room with a paper in front of you, imagine sitting across from a professor or a panel of academics, answering questions in real-time.
You’re expected to think on your feet, express your thoughts clearly, and defend your arguments in the local language. This can be particularly daunting if you’re not used to public speaking, let alone in a language that isn’t your first.
Oral exams test not only your knowledge but also your fluency and confidence in the language. They require a different set of skills than written exams. The pressure can feel much greater since there’s no time to sit back and reflect as you would with a written paper.
Beyond language, the way classes are taught and graded can be different. In the UK, university work often focuses on critical thinking and independent study. There’s a lot of emphasis on students forming their own ideas and challenging existing ones. In many European universities, however, the focus can be more on memorizing information and reproducing it during exams. Professors might expect you to follow their lead closely and might not place as much emphasis on personal interpretation or debate.
So, what can you do to better prepare yourself for the language and cultural challenges of studying abroad?
- Start immersing yourself early. Begin reading academic papers, essays, or articles in the language of the country where you plan to study. You’ll get a feel for the style, terminology, and expectations of academic writing.
- Take language classes focused on academic skills. Instead of general language classes, seek out courses that teach academic writing, presentation skills, or even how to handle oral exams.
- Get used to speaking formally. Try to have conversations about more complex topics—politics, history, science—in the language you plan to study. This will help you get comfortable with the type of language you’ll need to use in the classroom.
- Learn about the country’s educational culture. Each country has its own approach to university education. Research how professors teach and grade, the role of oral exams, and the academic environment in general. Sites like Campus France and Study in Europe are good starting points for gathering this information.
- Seek support when needed. Many universities in Europe offer support for international students, such as language tutoring or writing workshops. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of these resources.
